Always happy to provide new pictures!   The second funding installment has been received so work can start on the roof. 

I have also had a quick report from Liqua.  Both she and her son are feeling better.  She visited Dédékè twice and reports that the women’s soap-making project is going well.              

                        By the way, if you want to see a picture in close up,  just click on it! 

                                                                                                                      The Annie B’s Fund Drive starts August 1, 2010.  This is an annual event put on by the North Valley Community Foundation.  It runs for 60 days.  Every dollar  donated to LeapingStone is worth more than a dollar because we will qualify for matching grant money.  It is a wonderful opportunity for LeapingStone and for everyone who would like to help.                                    

We hope you will join us during the next 60 days by donating any amount.  Our goal for the Annie B Drive is to raise $5,000.  This will pay for the latrines and hand washing stations for the primary school.   Click on the  home page above, and you will see a video of yours truely speaking more about the drive.  If you click on the Annie B link, that will take you directly to LeapingStone’s name.  Type in any amount in the drop down box.

To those of you who helped us out last year….the pictures show you where your money went.  Thank you so much!         You made it happen! 

For those of you who are new to LeapingStone, we hope you will join us in making a difference in the lives of the children of Togo.

Cheers!

We have two upward bound stories to share.  The first has to do with the construction.  The pictures really speak for themselves.

Classrooms are taking shape.

                                         You can start to get the idea of how the whole school will look. 

The second story is in regards to a group of high school girls that contacted LeapingStone regarding volunteer work.  They were taking part in a summer program called Upward Bound and wanted to know if we needed any help.  I find it so interesting because we had just started to gear up for our big event on October 1, 2010 –our Annual Bachelor Auction and Wine Tasting Event — so their timing couldn’t have been better. 

They are  a wonderful group of girls who were so helpful getting a mailing out and helping to make bidder paddles for the auction.  The extra special part was that, on their own, they went out to stores in the area and put out jars to collect change to  raise money for LeapingStone.  When we met for the last time this week, they presented to us with a giant check representing $100 they raised!  I was so touched by their thoughtfulness and generous spirits.

                                        So I want to say a special thank you to each of

these girls:     Maribel Juarez,  Yajaira Cruz, See Yang,  Katrina Thao, Shelby McClintock, &  Karina Ramirez.  Also an extra special thank you to their Supervisor Rosario Mariscal — she is a gem.
                                  So as you can see, we really are upward bound!  

I received a new email from Gildas this morning and could hardly wait to show everyone.  The school is starting to take shape as the walls are going up.

Paul at inspection

Paul, our Liaison Officer, went to inspect the work that had been accomplished.  They have now stared on the second stage of the school. 

It is so exciting to see the progress they have made.  Because the crops have been secured, the villagers are able to help with the building on a more consistant basis.

Gildas, states that they will finish the wall elevation around July 21.  Next they will prepare the concrete support for the cistern and purchase the wood and iron sheeting needed for the roof.

The photo at the left is the beginning of what will be the Veranda.

I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support.  We could not have come so far without you.  Please, if you know other people who might be interested in what we are doing, don’t be shy about sharing the site/blog.  We want everyone to know what has been accomplished and where we are heading.

Cheers!

                                                       Natalie